The Kenya Environmental Lawyers Trust (KELA) expresses deep sorrow over the tragic landslides that struck Elgeyo-Marakwet County in early November 2025, claiming dozens of lives and displacing many families. Our heartfelt condolences go to the affected communities, especially those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods in this disaster.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the growing impacts of climate change, deforestation, and inadequate land-use planning in ecologically fragile landscapes such as the Elgeyo escarpment. The increasing frequency of such disasters highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental governance, enforcement of land-use policies, and community-driven resilience planning.

KELA calls on both national and county governments to:

• Conduct an immediate assessment of landslide-prone areas and implement early-warning systems.
• Enforce environmental regulations governing hillside cultivation, quarrying, and forest clearing.
• Integrate climate adaptation measures within county spatial plans and disaster preparedness frameworks.
• Prioritize the rights and safety of vulnerable communities in all recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

As an environmental justice organization, KELA remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard lives and ecosystems. We will continue to work with legal experts, policymakers, and civil society partners to ensure that environmental governance in Kenya is both just and sustainable.

For media inquiries or partnership on climate resilience initiatives, contact us at info@kela.or.ke.